We just went to Olive Garden and couldn't believe how much the brand had improved

Olive Garden's business has been under scrutiny since a hedge
fund published a
294-page takedown of the brand criticizing its breadsticks
strategy, inauthentic menu, and "barely edible" food.

Shareholders responded by replacing the company's entire board.
The new team promised to turn around Olive Garden's business,
which has suffered in an overall casual-dining slump.

We went to lunch at a Manhattan Olive Garden on Friday, and it
was obvious that the overhaul is helping business.

First, we were seated immediately. In the past, Olive Garden
would make customers wait longer than necessary in hopes of
encouraging them to buy drinks at the bar and make the restaurant
seem busier than it really is.

The pasta came with meat sauce on top, whereas Starboard had said
it tasted better mixed in. But making major changes to the menu
takes time, so we'll wait and see what Olive Garden does.

About 25 minutes after arriving at the restaurant, we already had
our check, complete with the customary Andes mints. We asked for
breadsticks to go and received an order of seven packed neatly in
a pouch.

Business Insider

Our lunch experience at Olive Garden was speedy and efficient.
It's clear that the brand has made some much-needed changes to
customer service. It's possible customers are noticing the
difference, too. By the time we left the restaurant had filled
up.